Algeciras

Algeciras (älhāthēˈräs) [key], city (1990 pop. 102,079), Cádiz prov., S Spain, in Andalusia, on the Bay of Algeciras opposite Gibraltar. A Mediterranean seaport, it is the main Spanish ferry terminal to North Africa. Fishing and tourism are also important. It was the first Spanish town taken (711) by the Moors. In the naval engagements of July, 1801, near Algeciras, the British defeated the French and Spanish fleets.